Brittany Shyne on Her Doc ‘Seeds’ and Paying Homage to the Legacy of Black Farmers in the American South

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Born into a farming background, Brittany Shyne had long harbored a desire to create a movie focusing on Black land ownership. This ambition led her to produce “Seeds,” her first documentary feature, which will be premiered on January 25 in the U.S Documentary Competition at Sundance. Initially conceived as her MFA thesis project, “Seeds” delves into the daily lives of Black generational farmers and sheds light on the dwindling community in the American South, uncovering its historical legacy.

Filmed entirely in monochrome, “Seeds” intertwines various scenes of rural life for elderly farmers and their kin, capturing both the leisurely rhythm and shared aesthetics of farm living, as well as the longstanding economic inequalities that black farmers have historically encountered and still struggle with today.

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“Seeds”, shot entirely in black and white, blends together stories from rural life for several aging farmers and their families. It showcases the peaceful, communal charm of farm living while also highlighting the persistent economic injustices that have affected black farmers throughout history and still persist today.

Shyne explains, “Black farms are frequently perceived as sites of conflict or disunity.” However, he aimed to portray them instead as places imbued with harmony across generations of farming families. He wanted to underscore that these black farmers have been remarkably adaptable and resourceful throughout their lives, despite the obstacles imposed by history. His intention was to shed light on a community that has always held its own power, albeit one that lacked opportunities to share its unique story and history openly.

The directorial and cinematographic approach of Shyne is vividly displayed throughout the documentary, a style reminiscent of his previous work in acclaimed documentaries like “American Factory”. He skillfully captures visually striking scenes of expansive farmland, slow-moving tractors traversing cotton fields, as well as moments of joyous family celebrations and candid insights into the everyday lives of elderly farmers within their homes.

Without a doubt, Shyne’s artistic vision for capturing beauty and meaning in everyday moments was what initially attracted both producers to the film. As Sabrina Schmidt Gordon, the first producer involved, stated, “It was this unique perspective that drew us in.” Danielle Varga, who joined later on, added, “The subject matter’s relevance, its underrepresentation, and Brittany’s distinctive viewpoint instantly ignited our enthusiasm for the project.

Even though her producers were certain about it, Shyne often had doubts about the path of her film. Taking on various roles such as director, cinematographer, sound operator, and field producer at different times, Shyne admitted, “There were prolonged periods where there was a great deal of uncertainty. The challenge was also in managing multiple tasks.” However, her faith in the story and the farmers she had spent years with sustained her determination to complete the film.

I realized it held significance for me, and it mattered to these farmers too — I was deeply thankful they allowed me to hear a piece of their personal history. This experience effortlessly guided my creative decisions for the film. Choosing black-and-white wasn’t merely to convey nostalgia but also to reflect the cyclical nature of their lives, which is often overlooked.

Since the movie’s premiere at Sundance, Shyne understands that many of her subjects may not be able to watch it due to age or passing. Yet, this realization underscores why she created the film in the first place – as a tribute to them, their heritage, and their lives. She hopes that the movie serves as a reflection of their significant societal contributions, particularly in relation to the specific agricultural landscape they inhabited.

For her upcoming ventures, Shyne expresses her intention to carry on blending direction and cinematography, whether it’s in documentaries or narrative fiction. “I appreciate both genres,” she notes, “but what I’m particularly keen on exploring are significant stories – especially those concerning the black experience, as there are still many such tales that remain untold.

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2025-01-25 20:16